Trip planning Uzbekistan summer 2026

[RenzoBonroy]

Hello,

Our family (couple + 13 year old daughter) are planning a trip to Uzbekistan coming summer for +/- 2 weeks.
On our must-do list so far are Tashkent, Samarkand, Buchara and Khiva. As I don't have any guidebook (yet), I would like your advice and help with our trip planning, hence some questions :

• How many days in each of the above cities would you recommend ? E.g. some organised tours stay only one full day in Samarkand whilst others stay 3 or even 4 days. We want to visit the main tourist sights at a leisurly pace, i.e. without rushing all day.
• Is Sjahrisabz worth visiting for a day from Samarkand ?
• Apart from the Savitsky Museum is there anything else worth visiting in/around Nukus ? If not, I think we will skip this city.
• Should we also include the Fergana Valley in our trip ? If so, what should we visit there ? I read about handicrafts (silk, pottery) but I'm not sure these handicrafts alone are worth the long trip from Tashkent.
• It seems that Samarkand, Buchara and Khiva are mainly about the stunning architecture. Are there any non-architecture activities/sights worth including in our trip ? E.g. any partical area well worth visiting for nature walks ? Or any nice lake beaches or resorts to relax for a couple of days ? Any "hidden gems" that do not appear on most Google searches ?

I know it's all still quite vage, but all your help and insights are most welcome.

Many thanks !

Renzo

 

[yurta_guesthouse]

For a 2-week family trip with a leisurely pace:

Samarkand: 3-4 days
Bukhara: 3 days
Khiva: 2 days

Don't skip Nukus and Karakalpakstan. The Savitsky Museum is unique, and the Aral Sea day trip is a powerful, must-see contrast to the Silk Road that adds real depth to your trip. It's a short flight from Khiva—just add 2 nights.

To get inspired for the incredible landscapes you'll see, check out this link:

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

For a comfortable, peaceful base in Nukus, Yurta Guest House is perfect. We can help arrange your Aral Sea trips. See the vibe of our guest house here:

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

Skip Shahrisabz (too far). Fergana Valley is mainly for craft lovers.

Hope this helps—you'll have an amazing trip!